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University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR; 

A  TEXIAN  TALE. 

BY      B.      J.      LOSSING. 


As  fondly  the  mother  her  darling  caresses, 

Her  tears  falling  down  her  cheeks  like  the  rain : 
She  tells  of  her  husband  while  tearing  her  tresses, 
Ah !  never,  my  child,  will  you  see  mm  again. 
The  flag  led  him  on  by  the  light  of' its  star 
To  freedom  and  glory;  he  fell  at  Bexar. 

F.  L.   Waddell 


Firmly  seated  in  the  Executive  chair, 
holding  ahnost  imperial  sway  over  the  fallen 
realms  of  Montezuma,  and  looking  with  an 
enlightened  mind,  with  proud  and  haughty 
contempt,  upon  the  priest-ridden  rulers  of  the 
dependent  provinces,  Santa  Anna,  the  Na- 
poleon of  the  West,  held  an  exalted  station 
among  the  list  of  conquerors  and  political 
benefactors.  With  a  policy  supported  by 
those  salutary  principles  upon  which  our 
happy  Republic  is  founded,  he  led  on  the 
legions  of  Mexico  against  the  mercenaries  of 


190  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

the  mother  country,  and  succeeded  in  break- 
ing [the  bond  which  bound  them  to  the  throne 
of  Ferdinand.  Such  a  glorious  achievement 
won  for  him  the  bright  laurels  of  a  patriot, 
and  his  joyous  countrymen,  in  the  plenitude 
of  their  grateful  emotions,  clothed  him  with 
the  chief  executive  power,  and  acknowledged 
him  as  the  Dictator  of  all  Mexico.  To  the 
eye  of  the  warm-hearted  Americans,  he 
seemed  like  a  kindred  spirit  with  those  who 
battled  upon  the  field  of  our  revolutionary 
struggle ;  and  they  were  ready  to  risk  their 
fortunes  and  their  liberties  to  the  discretion 
of  such  a  ruler.  Texas,  the  Garden  of  Mex- 
ico, as  respected  richness  of  soil,  was  a  vast 
uncultivated  waste,  whose  riches  were  buried 
beneath  the  dense  forest,  or  the  wild  grass  of 
the  prairie,  for  the  want  of  enterprise  and 
industry  to  exhume  them.  Such  a  field  for 
American  enterprise,  when  once  known,  could 
not  long  remain  unexplored  by  the  adventur- 
ous sons  of  the  west,  especially  when  the  su- 
preme government  gave  such  warm  encour- 
agement ;  and  the  banks  of  the  Brassos  and 
the  Colorado  were  soon  peopled  wuth  the  in- 
dustrious yeomanry  of  the  Mississippi.  Elat- 
ed w^ith  the  golden  prospects  that  shone  upon 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  191 

their  ejSbrts,  they  held  out  every  inducement 
to  their  friends  to  follow — and  the  rich  wil- 
derness of  Texas  was  fast  becoming  a  fruit- 
ful garden.  The  mud  cottages  of  San  Anto- 
nio were  hastily  disappearing  before  the  steady 
march  of  improvement,  and  neat  mansions  oc- 
cupying their  humble  stations. 

But  while  all  this  glorious  realization  of  the 
most  sanguine  dreams  of  the  colonists,  was 
adding  increased  strength  to  enterprise,  the 
uncurbed  ambition  of  the  Mexican  chief,  that 
had  succumbed  to  temporary  restraint  by  the 
hand  of  policy,  began  to  grow  eager  for  an 
exercise  of  its  strength,  and  the  patriot  Santa 
Anna  looked  with  hope  and  expectation  upon 
the  imperial  purple  that  fell  from  Iturbide  the 
usurper.  By  degrees  he  changed  his  cabinet, 
drew  tighter  the  reins  of  government,  abridged 
the  suffrages  of  the  dependent  republics,  and 
began  the  operations  of  a  scheme  to  nullify 
their  representative  privileges,  and  consolidate 
the  legislative  power  into  sovereign  central- 
ism. The  people  of  Texas  were  the  first  to 
observe  this  increasing  abridgment  of  their 
liberties,  for  the  other  provinces  were  peopled 
with  a  population  who  had  never  tasted  the 
sweets  of  settled  and  undisturbed  freedom. 
17* 


192  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

Yet  they  at  length  saw  the  aggressions  of 
their  chief,  and  in  concert  with  Texas,  asked 
for  a  restraint  upon  the  strides  of  his  ambi- 
tion. Santa  Anna  saw  the  disaffection,  knew 
there  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  and  resolved  to 
secure  the  throne  of  Anahuac  while  power 
was  yet  in  his  hands,  with  a  promise  of  aid 
from  the  other  provinces.  Texas  unfurled 
her  banner,  and  declared,  not  hostility  to  the 
government,  but  allegiance  to  the  spirit  of  the 
constitution.  The  chief  saw  his  danger,  the 
priests  saw  their  danger,  and  their  combined 
power  was  directed  against  chivalric  Texas. 
Zacatecas,  Tamaulipas,  San  Luis  Potosi,  and 
one  or  two  other  provinces,  raised  the  stand- 
ard of  revolt ;  but  when  the  anathemas  of  the 
growing  tyrant  went  forth,  ''  Viva  los  Santa 
Anna !"  rang  along  their  lines,  and  these  cow- 
ardly and  hypocritical  allies  left  Texas  to 
stand  or  fall,  as  destiny  might  determine. 

Now  was  the  time  to  test  the  courage,  the 
patriotism,  the  unwavering  determination  of 
the  sons  of  those  who  battled  upon  the  green 
at  Lexington,  the  brow  of  Bunker  Hill,  and 
the  bloody  heights  of  Yorktown — and  nobly 
did  they  exhibit  the  chivalry  of  their  sires. 
A  convention  was  called,  a  provisional  gov- 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  193 

eminent  formed,  an  army  organized,  and 
Houston  placed  at  its  head.  Success  attended 
the  Texian  arms,  until  the  Mexican  chief  ap- 
peared in  person  and  besieged  the  Alamo  at 
Bexar.  Thus  we  have  taken  a  bird's-eye 
view  of  the  events  prior  to  the  tragedy  there 
enacted ;  and  we  will  leave  the  task  of  pen- 
ning the  subsequent  political  facts  which 
transpired,  to  a  more  able  pen,  while  we  re- 
cord some  instances  of  individual  bravery. 

Jose  Hernanda,  son  of  a  proud  Hidalgo 
of  Tenochtitlan,  fired  with  a  love  of  liberty 
and  liberal  principles,  had  left  his  native  city, 
where  it  existed  but  in  name,  and  took  up  his 
residence  among  the  free-minded  people  of 
Texas :  when  the  encroachments  of  Santa  Anna 
were  complained  of,  his  importunities  were 
sent  among  the  rest,  and  he  implored  his  fa- 
ther to  use  his  influence  in  checking  the  inva- 
sion of  the  chief.  But  his  father,  who  was 
warmly  attached  to  Santa  Anna  and  to  Po- 
pery, refused  his  prayer  antl  discarded  his  son 
as  a  rebel.  Fearing  to  return  to  become  re- 
conciled to  his  parent,  and  still  clinging  fondly 
to  the  reared  standard  of  liberty,  he  threw  his 
life  and  his  fortunes  into  the  arms  of  Texas, 
and  joined  the  standard  of  the  intrepid  Hous- 


194  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

ton.  Previous  to  this,  and  while  the  smiles 
of  prosperity  gladdened  the  hearts  of  all  Tex- 
as, he  had  contracted  a  matrimonial  alliance 
with  the  daughter  of  an  American  merchant 
at  Harrisburg,  and  their  nuptials  were  now 
only  delayed  by  the  change  of  political  circum- 
stances. He  owed  a  duty  to  his  adopted 
country,  superior  to  considerations  of  self,  and 
mutual  pledges  were  exchanged  for  the  con- 
summation of  their  marriage,  as  soon  as  vic- 
tory should  perch  upon  the  standard  of  Texas. 
It  was  with  acute  feelings  of  pain,  that  the 
young  Mexican  gave  a  last  embrace  to  his 
betrothed  Mary,  whose  tears  bespoke  the  emo- 
tions of  her  heart. 

"Go,"  said  she  to  Hernanda,  "and  may 
the  God  of  battles  give  strength  to  your  arm 
and  weight  to  your  sword.  I  freely  renounce 
my  happiness  for  the  cause  of  Liberty,  and 
should  your  grave  be  dug  upon  the  battle-field, 
I  will  search  it  out  and  water  its  herbage  with 
my  tears.  My  hourly  prayer  shall  be  for 
your  success  :  let  your  watchword  and  war- 
cry  be  God  and  Liberty." 

Hernanda  left  her  with  emotion,  and  joining 
ing  the  eager  volunteers,  who  were  impa- 
tiently waiting  his  coming  on  the  banks  of  a 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  195 

little  stream  not  far  distant,  he  endeavored  to 
calm  his  feelings  by  reflecting  upon  the  field 
of  glory  that  spread  out  before  him.  Hearing 
that  the  forces  of  the  Texian  army  were  con- 
centrating for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  power 
sufficient  to  besiege  San  Antonio,  they  made 
a  rapid  march  thither,  and  joined  them  the 
evening  previous  to  their  departure.  Here 
Hernanda  witnessed  several  scenes  of  parting, 
similar  to  his  own,  and  it  seemed  to  give  his 
bosom  relief,  when  he  could  communicate  his 
feelings  to  sympathetic  hearts. 

It  was  just  at  evening  when  they  reached 
the  banks  of  the  Brassos,  and  they  resolved 
to  delay  the  crossing  until  morning,  as  few 
were  acquainted  with  either  bank.  Hernanda 
strolled  to  the  dark  shade  of  a  sycamore, 
where  he  sat  down  to  indulge  a  few  moments 
in  memory  of  the  past,  and  the  pleasing  anti- 
cipation of  future  happiness,  when  the  tumult 
of  war  should  cease,  and  his  destiny  become 
identified  with  that  of  his  beloved  Mary. 
While  indulging  in  this  pleasing  reverie,  he 
w^as  suddenly  startled  by  a  horseman,  who 
dashed  by  at  full  speed  in  the  direction  of  their 
little  camp.  Hernanda  hastened  thither,  and 
found  him  surrounded  by  the  eager  soldiery, 


196  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

who  were  listening  to  the  gloomy  message 
which  he  brought.  He  had  been  commis- 
sioned by  the  authorities  of  Harrisburg,  to 
communicate  to  the  army  the  fact,  that  up- 
wards of  two  thousand  Mexicans  were  on  the 
march  for  that  place,  and  calling  upon  the 
Texian  arms  to  defend  them.  Hernanda  heard 
the  messenger  coupling  the  names  of  Mexicans 
and  Harrisburg,  and  he  burned  with  anxiety 
to  fly  to  the  rescue  of  his  betrothed.  He 
pressed  forward,  and  seizing  the  hand  of  the 
messenger,  demanded  his  attention. 

"  Tell  me,"  said  Hernanda,  ''  have  the  peo- 
ple fled  Harrisburg,  or  are  they  left  to  the 
mercy  of  an  armed  enemy." 

"  Some  have  fled,"  said  the  courier,  "  others 
have  armed  for  the  defence  of  the  town,  while 
a  great  many  of  the  lower  classes  are  either 
unable  to  arm  or  fly.  Mr.  ,  the  act- 
ing magistrate,  is  endeavoring  to  rally  a  force 
sufficient  to  repel  them  until  aid  may  arrive." 

"Signor. !"  cried  Hernanda,  with 

emotion,  for  it  was  the  father  of  his  Mary  ; 
"  does  his  family  still  remain  amid  the  threat- 
ening danger  !" 

''  I  cannot  tell,"  answered  the  courier,  "  nor 
have  I    time    to  answer    further    questions. 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  197 

Here,"  said  he,  pulling  a  letter  from  his  bo- 
som, "is  a  dispatch  given  me  by  a  charming 
young  lady  for  one  Jose  Hernanda.  Does 
such  an  one  belong  to  this  battalion  ?" 

"  It  is  I !"  exclaimed  Hernanda,  eagerly 
seizing  the  proffered  letter.  He  drew  away 
from  his  companions  and  broke  the  seal.  It 
was  from  Mary — she  wrote  thus  : 

"The  Mexicans  are  advancing — the  fires  of  their 
camp  were  seen  last  evening — Harrisburg  is  all  con- 
fusion, and  we  know  not  whither  to  escape.  If  you 
have  influence,  use  it  for  us,  and  save  us  from  the  pow- 
er of  Cos.     God  give  you  strength. 

Yours,  in  danger,  Mary." 

Hernanda  was  almost  frantic,  and  he  used 
every  argument  to  induce  their  commander. 

Col.  F ,  to  turn  his  steps  towards  Har- 

risburg.  But  the  success  of  Texas  depend- 
ed upon  securing  the  strong-hold  of  San  An- 
ton o  de  Bexar,  while  it  yet  remained  weakly 
guarded,  and  the  next  morning  they  reached 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Brassos,  and  made  a 
forced  march  towards  the  Colorado.  Gloomy 
indeed  was  that  march  to  the  young  Mexican, 
for  although  his  heart  glowed  with  the  love  of 
liberty,  yet  the  pure  and  holy  flame  of  affec- 
tion for  Mary  occupied  a  large  space  therein. 


198  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

and  the  danger  to  which  she  was  exposed  in- 
creased his  love. 

It  was  early  in  the  morning  when  they  reach- 
ed the  vicinity  of  Bexar,  and  they  were  sur- 
prised to  see  the  national  flag  of  Mexico  float- 
ing over  the  Alamo.  But  the  secret  was  soon 
told  by  a  deserter  from  the  enemy.  The  de- 
termination of  Cos  was  to  attack  Harrisburg, 
but  hearing  that  a  force  was  on  their  march 
for  Bexar,  he  immediately  turned  his  army 
and  made  a  forced  march  for  that  place,  which 
he  reached  by  an  almost  parallel  route  a  few 
hours  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  Texians. 
This  information  gave  Hernanda  joy,  and  feel- 
ing conscious  of  the  safety  of  his  treasure,  he 
gave  up  his  whole  soul  to  the  momentous  pro- 
ceedings around  him.  Before  him  frowned 
the  walls  of  a  fortress  filled  with  an  unknown 
number  of  his  countrymen,  thirsting  for  the 
blood  of  patriots,  while  around  stood  a  few 
brave  men  ready  to  encounter  the  savage  le- 
gions. His  zeal  had  secured  the  favor  of  the 
commander,  and  he  had  given  him  a  situation 
at  the  head  of  a  company  of  riflemen  from  Na- 
cogdoches, Every  preparation  was  made  on 
both  sides  for  the  contest,  and  the  sun  had 
scarcely  emerged  above  the  horizon,  before 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  199 

the  bugle  within  the  fort  sounded  to  the 
charge.  Like  a  fierce  torrent,  the  Mexicans 
poured  forth,  expecting  to  crush  the  besiegers 
at  once  with  an  overwhelming  force  ;  but  they 
braved  the  onset  with  an  almost  unbroken 
front,  and  hundreds  of  the  enemy  rolled  in  the 
dust.  The  inhabitants  of  San  Antonio  cov- 
ered the  rear  of  the  valiant  Texians,  armed 
with  whatever  seemed  like  an  instrument  of 
death,  and  in  less  than  two  hours,  a  cry  for 
quarter  came  from  the  dark  wreaths  of  smoke 
that  curled  around  the  battered  battlements  of 
the  Alamo.  The  contest  ceased,  and  the  Mex- 
icans screened  from  view  by  the  dense  smoke 
that  yet  hung  around  the  battle-ground,  com- 
menced a  sudden  retreat ;  but  Cos,  who  was 
wounded,  and  several  other  officers,  were  tak- 
en prisoners.  Hernanda  was  the  first  to 
enter  the  embrasure  over  the  bodies  of  the 
slain.  A  deep  groan  that  issued  from  beneath 
a  bloody  flag  against  the  base  of  the  fort,  at- 
tracted his  attention,  and  removing  it,  he  dis- 
covered an  aged  soldier,  with  his  visage  deep 
scarred  by  the  blow  of  a  broad-sword.  He 
raised  up  the  dying  soldier,  and  endeavored  to 
ameliorate  his  misery,  for  humanity  bade  him 
18 


200  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

treat  with  lenity  the  unfortunate  of  his  native 
soil. 

Suddenly  Hernanda  started  back  and  gazed 
upon  the  old  man  with  a  look  of  horror.  It 
was  his  father  ?  Memory,  ever  faithful  to  the 
heart  where  filial  affection  dwells,  pointed 
out  to  the  young  Mexican  the  tender  parent 
of  his  childhood,  in  the  blood-sprinkled  form 
of  the  old  soldier.  When  the  first  violent 
feeling  of  excited  grief  had  subsided,  Her- 
nanda sprang  forward  to  embrace  his  parent, 
and  receive  a  parting  blessing  from  his  lips. 
But  those  lips  were  palsied  forever — the  last 
fearful  struggle  w^as  over — the  soul  had  eva- 
cuated its  earthly  tenement  and  soared  to  its 
native  heaven. 

With  a  heart  filled  with  sorrow,  Hernanda 
took  the  star  from  the  breast  of  his  father  and 
placed  it  upon  his  own,  for  now  he  was  the 
ri2:htful  owner  of  the  honor  and  its  titles. 
He  buried  his  parent  with  all  possible  decency, 
and  notwithstanding  the  soldier  was  an  enemy 
to  Texas,  his  comrades  dropped  a  tear  of  sym- 
pathy over  his  grave,  for  Hernanda  was  be- 
loved by  all.  When  this  solemn  ceremony 
was  performed,  they  immediately  made  pre- 
parations for  the  disposal  of  their  force,  as  it 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  201 

was  unnecessary  for  all  to  remain  in  defence 
of  the  fort.  They  had  taken  from  the  enemy 
a  great  number  of  muskets,  one  brass  nine- 
pounder  and  two  howitzers  ;  and  the  only  thing 
wanting  for  a  small  force  to  defend  it  with 
success,  was  a  supply  of  ammunition  and  pro- 
visions. It  was  well  known  that  the  Mexi- 
cans were  rallying  their  forces,  and  would 
probably  attack  them  in  return,  and  dispatch 
was  consequently  necessary.  Cos  and  his 
officers  were  released  on  condition  of  never 
again  serving  in  the  army  against  Texas  ;  but 
the  humane  victors  little  dreamed  of  the  black 
treachery  that  lurked  in  his  heart.  Contrary 
to  expectations,  the  Mexicans,  instead  of  hov- 
ering about  Bexar,  took  up  their  line  of 
march  to  the  southward  to  join  the  forces  of 
Gen.  Urrea,  who,  with  nearly  five  thousand 
men,  was  preparing  to  march  into  Texas  and 
crush  the  rebellion  at  a  single  charge. 

In  the  mean  time  the  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi was  giving  an  almost  daily  largess  of 
volunteers,  eager  to  join  the  hitherto  victori- 
ous standard  of  struggling  patriots.  Among 
them  came  that  personification  of  true  cour- 
age. Col.  Crockett,  who  as  little  feared  the 
approach  of  a  Mexican  lancer  or  dragoon,  as 


202  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

he  did  the  growling  bruin  of  his  native  forests. 
Having  been  accustomed  from  infancy  to  brave 
danger,  he  was  a  stranger  to  fear,  and  his  per- 
sonal safety  was  never  reckoned  into  the  ac- 
count, when  objections  arose  to  the  obeisance 
of  the  impulses  of  his  generous  heart.  By 
his  side  came  a  handsome  and  beardless  youth, 
upon  whose  cheeks  bloomed  the  rose  of  beau- 
ty, and  in  whose  dark  eye  burned  the  fire  of  pa- 
triotism. He  w^as  habited  in  a  citizen's  dress, 
and  wore  a  peculiar  cap  which  nearly  concealed 
his  face.  A  broad-sword  hung  upon  his 
thigh  and  a  pistol  in  his  belt. 

"  This  youngster,"  said  Crockett,  who  had 
taken  him  under  his  charge  three  days  pre- 
vious, "  is  all  grit — stuffed  as  full  of  courage 
as  an  egg-shell  of  meat,  and  vows  that  he 
would  rather  die  fighting  for  Texas  than  to  be 
Santa  Anna  himself.  And  who  would'nt, 
when  so  many  brave  hearts  have  sworn  his  de- 
struction .?" 

The  youth  was  silent,  and  used  every  means 
to  conceal  his  face,  yet  the  emotions  of  his 
heart  were  pictured  upon  his  glowing  fea- 
tures. When  the  commander  was  shown 
him,  he  stepped  forward,  and  bowed  respect- 
fully ;  and  drawing  a  letter  from  his   bosom. 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  203 

made  a  humble  request  in  the  Spanish  tongue, 
that  he  might  be  permitted  to  battle  in  the 
ranks  with  the  brave  Mexican  with  whose 
name  it  was  endorsed.  That  name  was  Jose 
Hernanda.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the 
letter  delivered  to  the  young  Mexican,  who, 
as  soon  as  he  broke  the  seal,  embraced  the 
messenger  as  a  bearer  of  joyous  tidings.  The 
letter  was  from  Mary,  and  stated  that  Harris- 
burg  was  spared ;  a  party  of  Mexicans  had 
been  entirely  cut  up  in  a  skirmish  near  Gal- 
veston— and  requesting  Hernanda  to  be  at 
rest  about  her  safety,  as  she  believed  that  the 
chains  which  the  Tyrant  had  prepared  for 
Texas,  would  never  be  cast  upon  his  intended 
victim.  In  his  joy,  Hernanda  would  again 
have  embraced  the  youth,  but  he  modestly  in- 
terposed, and  asked,  as  the  only  reward  of  his 
services,  that  he  might  be  made  a  member  of 
the  corps  under  Hernanda's  command. 

Fortunately  for  the  tender  age  and  delicate 
form  of  the  youthful  stranger,  Hernanda's  ri- 
flemen were  selected  as  a  part  of  the  force 
who  were  to  remain  in  defence  of  the  fortress. 
In  a  few  days,  the  little  army  who  had  gained 
so  glorious  a  victory,  was  augmented  to  nearly 
double  their  original  number ;  for  the  cap- 
18* 


204  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

ture  of  San  Antonio  inspired  every  bosom 
with  hope,  and  the  plough  was  left  in  the  fur- 
row, the  hammer  was  silent  at  the  forge,  the 
counter  of  the  merchant  was  deserted,  and 
one  hope,  one  desire,  one  common  interest, 
made  every  Texian  a  volunteer  in  the  service 
of  his  oppressed  province.  Flushed  with  vic- 
tory, they  departed  from  the  Alamo  with  the 
determination  to  drive  their  oppressors  from 
their  purchased  soil. 

Hernanda  became  deeply  interested  in  the 
youthful  hero  who  had  joined  his  standard,  and 
that  interest  was  increased  from  the  near  re- 
semblance of  his  features  to  those  of  his  be- 
trothed bride.  Various  were  the  thoughts 
that  revolved  in  his  mind  as  he  gazed  upon 
the  meditative  stranger,  and  he  desired  to 
know  his  name  and  parentage.  But  the  taci- 
turnity of  the  youth,  and  his  immediate  eva- 
sion of  questions  touching  the  subject,  pre- 
vented the  gratification  of  Hernanda's  curi- 
osity, and  he  resolved  to  be  content  with  his 
friendship.  One  lovely  moon-lit  evening,  they 
strolled  together  to  a  little  grove  a  few  yards 
from  the  fort,  and  while  conversing  upon 
home  and  its  associations,  Hernanda  recol- 
lected having  heard  Mary  speak  of  a  young 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  205 

brother  who  was  a  resident  in  Natchez,  and 
he  doubted  not  but  the  one  before  him  was 
the  kinsman  of  his  beloved.  Pleased  with  the 
thought,  he  immediately  asked,  "  Do  you 
know  Signor of  Harrisburg  ?" 

"  I  do,"  replied  the  youth. 

"  Do  you  know  his  daughter,  Mary  ?" 

"  I  do." 

"  Then  you  are  a  brother .?" 

"  lam  not." 

"  Not  a  brother,  and  so  like  ?  Why  I  could 
have  sworn  that  the  features  I  now  look  upon 

and  those  of  Mary  ,  were  the  same, 

did  I  but  see  those  rich  curls  beautifying  them 
that  always  shaded  her  lovely  face.  Not  a 
kinsman  !" 

'^  I  have  been  intimate  with  her  from  in- 
fancy," said  the  youth,  "  and  her  inseparable 
companion.  I  know  that  you  love  her,  and 
that  your  love  is  warmly  requited.  She  daily, 
nay,  hourly,  prays  for  your  salvation  from  the 
weapons  of  the  enemy ;  and  though  her  sex 
denies  her  the  toils  of  the  battle-field,  yet  she 
would  willingly  share  the  privations  of  the 
camp  with  Jose  Hernanda.  If  patriotism  ever 
burned  in  the  breast  of  woman,  it  is  in  hers, 
and   while  an   oppressor  treads  the   soil   of 


206  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

Texas,  she  would  glory  more  in  bearing  the 
sword  and  helmet  of  War,  than  the  wreath  and 
olive-branch  of  Peace." 

Hernanda  was  enraptured  by  this  unex- 
pected burst  of  eloquence  from  the  taciturn 
young  hero,  and  he  embraced  him  as  the  re- 
presentative of  his  soul's  idol. 

"  Nay,  cease  not,"  cried  he,  "your  words 
have  given  me  new  life,  and  courage  can  never 
forsake,  misfortune  can  never  crush  one  who 
has  such  a  brave  and  lovely  interceder  at  the 
shrine  of  the  God  of  battles.  Another  month, 
and  the  star-lit  banner  that  waves  over  yonder 
battlements,  will  float  victorious  over  every 
citadel  of  Texas  where  the  name  of  Liberty 
has  been  whispered.  Peace  shall  outspread 
her  umbrageous  wings — " 

A  bugle  awakened  the  echoes  of  the  forest, 
and  the  two  friends  started  to  their  feet.  An- 
other bugle  note  was  heard,  and  the  next  mo- 
ment a  tremendous  shout  broke  forth  from  the 
bosom  of  the  dense  forest  that  surrounds  the 
southern  side  of  the  Alamo,  immediately  suc- 
ceeded by  the  clangor  of  armor,  the  tramp  of 
horses,  and  the  rumble  of  heavy  artillery. 

A  wild  and  fearful  shout  mingled  its  echoes 
with  the   discordant  din  of  the  approaching 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  207 

multitude,  and  a  cry  of  "  Mexicans  !  Mexi- 
cans P"^  arose  from  the  walls  of  the  Alamo. 
Hernanda  and  his  companion  flew  to  the  fort 
unscathed,  amid  a  shower  of  musket  balls, 
where  everything  was  in  the  greatest  confu- 
sion. They  had  been  taken  by  surprise — all 
were  enjoying  their  evening  siesta  when  they 
were  aroused  by  the  shout  of  the  enemy.  So 
secure  did  they  deem  themselves  that  even 
the  few  sentinels  were  asleep  on  their  post, 
and  became  the  first  victims  of  the  savage  foe. 
But  the  little  band  within  the  fort  soon  rallied 
for  action,  and  reserved  their  fire  until  the 
enemy  believing  few  were  within,  or  the  fort 
deserted,  marched  up  in  a  solid  column  within 
a  few  yards  of  the  outer  breastworks.  A  mo- 
mentary silence  ensued,  and  nothing  was  heard 
but  the  voice  of  the  giant-like  commander  of 
the  Mexicans  and  the  tread  of  the  advancing 
column.  Suddenly  a  poised  sword  within 
the  Alamo  glittered  in  the  moonlight  as  a  sig- 
nal to  the  Texians,  and  the  next  moment  the 
flash  of  an  hundred  rifles  glared  fearfully  from 
the  walls  of  the  fortress.  The  column  of  the 
Mexicans  was  broken  and  filled  alternately  by 
the  platoons  which  marched  up  to  fill  the 
places  of  those  who  fell,  and  at  every  advance 


208  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

they  approached  nearer  to  the  broad  and  only 
entrance  to  the  fort.  As  the  prospect  of  their 
entrance  increased  in  probability,  the  energy 
of  the  Texians  was  redoubled,  and  they  kept 
up  a  constant  fire.  Still  the  enemy  pressed 
forward  notwithstanding  the  dreadful  slaughter, 
until  the  commander  with  a  desperate  effort 
leapt  into  the  embrasure,  followed  by  his 
blood-thirsty  and  desperate  soldiers.  Her- 
nanda  and  his  companion  stood  near  the  en- 
trance, and  being  in  a  portion  of  the  fort  which 
was  entirely  shaded,  did  not  observe  the 
movement  until  the  massive  sword  of  the 
Mexican  chief  was  gleaming  above  the  head 
of  the  tender  youth.  The  rifle  of  Hernanda 
caught  the  blade  as  it  fell,  and  with  a  violent 
effort  he  laid  the  warrior  at  his  feet.  His  fol- 
lowers, seeing  their  chief  fall,  retreated  in  dis- 
may, and  the  firing  soon  ceased. 

This  respite  gave  the  gallant  Texians  an 
opportunity  for  organizing  and  making  prepa- 
rations for  a  siege — a  siege  which  they  knew 
would  be  protracted  if  the  enemy  became  con- 
vinced of  their  numbers.  Ere  the  dawn  of 
morning  their  labors  were  completed  and  every- 
thing prepared  for  action.  The  ordnance 
which  they  took  from  the  enemy  was  placed 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  209 

in  its  proper  place,  and  just  at  sunrise  they 
observed  the  Mexicans  forming  their  line  for 
battle.  A  more  glorious  day  never  dawned 
upon  the  springing  beauties  of  nature,  and  it 
seemed  that  the  quietude  and  harmony  that 
reio-ned  amons;  the  inhabitants  of  mountain, 
woodland  and  river,  should  have  taught  man 
a  lesson  that  would  prompt  him  to  lay  aside 
the  rod  of  oppression  and  the  sword  of  battle, 
for  the  plough  and  the  reaping-hook  of  peace- 
ful industry.  But  ambition,  whose  rapacious 
maw  can  receive  and  contain,  and  digest  ob- 
jects as  extensive  as  the  universe,  shuts  the 
eyes  and  the  heart  to  the  glorious  and  ever- 
salutary  precepts  of  Nature,  and  binds  man  to 
the  throne  of  his  malevolent  passions. 

The  bugle  sounded,  and  with  a  formidable 
front,  headed  by  heavy  artillery,  the  Mexicans 
advanced  to  the  charge.  Hernanda  caught 
the  eye  of  the  youthful  warrior  who  had  joined 
his  band,  which  seemed  to  burn  with  an  in- 
tense and  unearthly  light  as  he  gazed  upon 
the  approaching  battalion  ;  and  his  heart  sick- 
ened at  the  thought  that  one  so  young,  so  fair, 
so  patriotic,  so  like  the  idol  of  his  affections, 
perhaps  in  one  short  hour  might  be  numbered 
among  the  slain.     His  own  safety  he  consulted 


210  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

not,  but  an  involuntary  regard  for  the  youth 
created  these  painful  suggestions  and  fears. 
Hernanda  touched  the  arm  of  the  youth  and 
beckoned  him  away  from  the  ranks.  The 
young  hero  followed,  but  whither  he  knew 
not.  Hernanda  led  him  to  the  inner  court  of 
the  Alamo  where  were  a  number  of  wounded, 
and  requested  him  to  remain  in  attendance. 
"  Your  tender  age  and  delicate  limbs,"  said 
he,  "  are  better  fitted  for  offices  of  kindness 
than  to  be  exposed  upon  the  ramparts  of  a 
fortress,  battling  with  a  savage  foe." 

"  I  do  not  fear  the  enemies  of  Texas,"  said 
the  youth,  "  and  it  would  be  a  glorious  mar- 
tyrdom to  die  in  so  holy  a  cause.  Let  me 
fight  the  enemies  of  freedom  by  the  side  of 
one  so  brave  as  Jose  Hernanda,  and  with  the 
consequences  I  shall  be  satisfied." 

"  Nay,  listen  to  my  advice,"  said  Hernanda, 
"  and  thus  you  can  serve  me  best.  Your  de- 
votion to  me  I  believe  sincere,  and  if  fate 
should  mark  me  as  one  of  the  wounded  or 
slain,  you  can  best  serve  me  by  binding  up  my 
wounds,  or  soothing  my  pangs  in  the  hour  of 
death." 

The  youth  was  about  to  importune,  when  a 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  211 

gun  from  the  enemy's  advance  colmnn  called 
the  young  Mexican  to  duty. 

"  Stay  !  stay  I  I  beseech  you  !"  cried  Her- 
nanda,  as  the  youth  prepared  to  follow  ;  "  it  is 
my  wish,  my  desire,  my  command  /"  and  he 
flew  to  the  walls  of  the  fortress. 

The  young  man  obeyed,  although  reluct- 
antly, and  notwithstanding  the  balls  from  the 
enemy  were  falling  in  all  parts  of  the  fort,  yet 
his  attachment  to  Hernanda  made  him  forget- 
ful of  danger,  and  he  placed  himself  in  a  posi- 
tion where  he  might  see  the  issue  of  the  con- 
test. Several  of  the  Texians  were  slain  before 
night  terminated  the  sanguinary  contest,  and 
the  slaughter  without  was  dreadful.  More 
than  three  hundred  of  the  Mexicans  were  left 
dead  around  the  Alamo  when  the  army  retired 
to  recruit.  Thus  for  four  successive  days  did 
the  siege  continue,  until  the  little  band  within 
the  fort  was  decimated  to  only  seventy  men ! 
On  the  morning  of  the  fifth  day,  just  as  day- 
light appeared,  a  loud  shout  of  acclamation 
rang  through  the  Mexican  camp,  and  "  viva 
los  Santa  Anna  .'"  fell  from  every  lip  as  the 
President  of  Mexico  with  a  reinforcement  ap- 
peared and  joined  the  thinned  ranks  of  the 
enemy.  With  him  came  the  chivalry  of  the 
19 


212  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

south,  among  which  was  the  perjured  Cos, 
faithless  to  the  stipulations  of  his  releasement, 
and  third  in  command  against  those  who  had 
generously  saved  his  life  and  given  him  hberty . 
A  blood-red  flag  immediately  floated  over  the 
Mexican  camp  as  a  signal  that  no  quarter 
would  be  given.     Now  came  on  the  desperate 

struggle.     Col.  B was  severely  wounded, 

and  Lieut.  D ,  whose  wife  and  child  M^ere 

within  the  fort,  lay  sick  with  a  fever.  Her- 
nanda  was  left  highest  in  command,  and  right 
valiantly  did  he  do  his  duty.  For  six  hours 
they  kept  up  a  continual  firing  until  only  thirty 
Texians  remained,  and  their  ammunition  was 
exhausted.  There  was  no  alternative,  and 
they  resolved  to  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as 
possible.  The  intrepid  Crockett  was  among 
the  number,  and  placing  himself  near  an  angle 
of  a  wall  at  the  entrance,  he  resolved  to  de- 
fend the  passage  to  the  last.  As  soon  as  the 
firing  ceased  w^ithin,  the  Mexicans  with  a  shout 
of  exultation  rushed  over  the  dead  bodies  of 
the  slain  to  take  possession  of  the  fort.  But  a 
few  patriots  yet  remained,  and  for  nearly  an 
hour  disputed  the  passage  with  the  over- 
w^helming  force,  but  at  last  the  hero  of  Ten- 
nessee received  a  blow  from  the  butt-end  of 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  213 

the  gun  of  a  Mexican  musketeer  that  brought 
him  to  the  dust,  and  Hernanda  and  his  worn- 
out  companions  were  obliged  to  yield.  An 
indiscriminate  massacre  of  the  remaining  few 
commenced.  A  Mexican  officer,  who  by  his 
badge  seemed  to  be  a  man  of  rank,  perhaps  a 
hidalgo^  rushed  forward  and  seizing  Hernanda 
thrust  him  upon  the  ground  and  raised  the 
reeking  blade  for  his  destruction.  A  wild 
shriek  stayed  his  arm  for  a  moment,  and  the 
youthful  friend  of  Hernanda  rushed  in  and 
threw  himself  on  the  body  of  the  victim. 
"  Spare  him  !  spare  him  !"  cried  he  with 
maniac  emphasis,  "  Spare  him,  and  let  your 
blade  drink  the  blood  of  this  heart." 

"  Boy  !"  said  the  stern  Mexican,  as  he 
gazed  upon  the  face  of  the  youthful  suppliant, 
"  thy  tender  age  is  all  that  spares  ye  both.  I 
do  not  glory  in  spilling  the  blood  of  children. 
But  no  rebel  among  men  shall  escape  the  pen- 
alty of  their  crime.  Off  with  thee,  rash  child, 
that  justice  may  be  satisfied." 

"  Will  ye  then  murder  him,"  cried  he, 
"  will  ye  spill  the  blood  of  your  own  country- 
man— one  of  your  own  nobility,"  and  he  tore 
the  golden  star  from  the  vestment  of  Hernanda 
and  threw  it  at  the  feet  of  the  Spaniard. 


214  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

He  took  it  up,  examined  its  central  bear- 
ings, and  his  dark  eye  lit  up  with  the  fire  of 
the  fiercest  rage. 

"  Wretch  !  Rebel  !  Parricide  !"  cried  he, 
looking  with  awful  fierceness  upon  Hernanda. 
"  Well  mayest  thou  ask  innocence  to  plead 
for  thee,  inhuman  wretch  !  This  is  the  star 
of  thy  murdered  father  !  Thank  God,  thy  life 
is  spared,  for  all  Mexico  shall  now  behold  thy 
degraded  form,  and  curse  thee  for  thy  perfidy. 
Wretch  !  the  blood  of  thy  father  is  upon  thee. 
Canst  thou  ask  for  mercy  ?  Mercy  herself 
would  shudder  and  turn  pale  to  look  upon  thy 
blood-stained  hands.  Look  upon  me  if  thou 
canst,  and  call  me  brother  .'" 

Hernanda  rose,  and  with  a  firm  voice — the 
voice  of  conscious  innocence, — and  looking  the 
enraged  Mexican  full  in  the  face,  said,  "  Bro- 
ther .'"  and  extended  his  arms  to  receive  him. 

The  hidalgo  drew  back,  and  with  a  dark 
frown  bade  him  beware  how  he  laid  his  bloody 
hands  upon  him.  "  Thou  art  no  longer  a 
kinsman  of  the  house  of  Hernanda,"  said  he, 
"  but  a  denationalized  and  doomed  rebel. 
Soldiers  !    advance  and  'bind  the  parricide." 

Hernanda  submitted  with  composure,  for  he 
knew  the  character  of  his  belligerent  brother. 


_ 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  215 

and  was  aware  that  entreaties  or  resistance 
would  be  vanity.  The  youth  who  had  so  no- 
bly saved  his  life  begged  the  boon  of  sharing 
his  captivity  and  shame — but  that  boon  w^as 
denied,  and  Hernanda  placed  under  a  strong 
guard.  Still  the  youth  importuned — on  his 
knees  supplicated  mercy  for  the  prisoner,  but 
he  was  talking  to  hearts  of  stone.  They  at 
length  became  weary  with  his  entreaties,  and 
threatened  him  with  death  if  he  did  not  de- 
sist. Hernanda  placed  his  finger  upon  his  lip 
in  token  of  silence,  and  beckoned  his  compan- 
ion away.  The  devoted  young  hero  departed 
with  a  reluctant  step,  but  pausing  for  a  mo- 
ment as  he  stood  upon  the  threshold  of  the 
Alamo,  a  flush  passed  over  his  pallid  cheek 
and  his  grief-dimmed  eye  sparkled  with  re- 
newed enthusiasm.  He  had  suddenly  con- 
ceived a  design,  and  hope  urged  him  to  the 
execution  of  it. 

Hernanda  with  two  or  three  other  prison- 
ers,  among  whom   w^as   the   wife   of  Lieut. 

D ^  were  all  that  remained  of  the  valiant 

band  who  were  left  in  defence  of  the  fort.  A 
small  detachment  of  soldiers  with  a  sergeant 
as  leader  were  sent  with  them  to  Victoria,  on 
the  San  Felippe,  there  to  await  the  arrival  of 
19* 


216  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

the  conquering  army  under  Santa  Anna. 
Hernanda'fS  heart  was  heavy ;  not  on  account 
of  his  own  bonds,  but  he  anticipated  a  per- 
petual banishment  from  the  society  of  his  be- 
trothed. All  hopes  of  the  consummation  of 
their  nuptials  were  destroyed  by  the  gloomy 
prospect  of  either  death  or  perpetual  impris- 
onment that  appeared  in  the  perspective.  The 
little  party  encamped  at  night  in  a  recess  of  a 
dark  jungle,  on  the  borders  of  a  prairie  which 
they  intended  to  cross  on  the  morrow.  The 
prisoners  were  arranged  in  secure  order  and  a 
competent  guard  selected  for  their  security''. 
They  had  scarcely  laid  down  for  repose  when 
a  rustle  among  the  leaves  within  a  few  rods 
of  them  startled  them  all  to  their  feet.  They 
listened,  but  all  was  silent.  Again  they  heard 
the  rustling,  which  was  immediately  succeed- 
ed by  the  crack  of  a  rifle,  and  a  sentinel  fell 
to  the  ground.  The  next  moment  and  a  vol- 
ley of  musketry  from  the  jungle,  made  nearly 
every  Mexican  a  stiffened  corpse.  The  as- 
sailants then  rushed  forward  and  secured  the 
remainder,  who  immediately  threw  down  their 
arms  and  cried  for  quarter. 

Twilight  had  now  closed,  and  yet  the  even- 
ing was  a  starry  one  and  afforded  sufficient 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  217 

light  to  recognize  features.  Hernanda  was 
the  first  to  speak.  "  Tell  me,"  cried  he 
"  who  is  the  leader  of  these  valiant  deliverers 
that  I  may  bow  at  his  feet  in  gratitude." 

His  youthful  friend  of  the  Alamo  stood  be- 
fore him.  "  It  is  I,  noble  Hernanda,"  said 
he,  "  who  have  fulfilled  my  duty  to  my  com- 
mander. These  brave  men  who  heard  my 
story  of  your  bravery,  your  patriotism,  your 
devotion  to  Texas,  believed  me  and  offered  to 
fly  to  your  rescue.  Providence  gave  direction 
to  our  steps,  and  strength  to  our  arms  ;  let 
him  noble  Hernanda  have  the  praise.  These 
bands  but  ill  befit  so  valiant  a  soldier,"  and 
he  loosed  the  cords  that  confined  him.  Her- 
nanda embraced  his  deliverer,  and  with  every 
expression  of  gratitude  offered  to  resign  into 
his  youthful  hands  the  command. 

"  I  have  no  longer  a  brave  few  to  follow 
me,"  said  he,  ^'  the  wolves  of  the  prairie  are 
feasting  upon  them.  Your  valor  has  won  re- 
cruits— to  your  command  I  bow." 

But  the  youth  positively  refused  the  prof- 
fered honor ;  and  desired  only  to  have  the 
privilege  of  fighting  beneath  his  standard. 
Urged  by  the  young  hero,  and  his  views  se- 
conded by  the   volunteers,   Hernanda  made 


218  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

immediate  preparations  for  departure — after 
detaching  two  horsemen  who  had  just  joined 
them  from  his  force  to  convey  the  lady  of  the 
murdered  officer  to  Harrisburg — to  rush  for- 
ward and  join  the  army  of  the  brave  Houston 
on  the  Brassos.  While  making  this  march 
they  were  attacked  several  times  by  scouting 
parties  of  the  Mexicans  but  arrived  safe,  with 
only  one  wounded  man.  Houston  had  heard 
of  the  fall  of  Bexar  and  the  massacre  at  the 
Alamo,  and  he  enjoined  his  men  to  make 
"  the  Alamo,"  their  war-cry  when  they  rush- 
ed to  the  charge.  Fired  with  indignation  and 
revenge,  they  started  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy 
who  were  concentrating  near  San  Jacinto. 

It  was  about  noon,  on  a  lovely  clear  day, 
that  the  Texians  gained  the  summit  of  an 
eminence  that  commanded  a  view  of  an  ex- 
tended plain  which  terminated  in  a  point  at 
the  junction  of  the  Brassos  and  a  small  stream. 
There  in  that  vale  of  beauty,  dreaming  of  se- 
curity, reclined  at  ease  the  forces  of  Santa 
Anna.  He  thought  Houston  far  away  when 
in  fact  the  eagle-eye  of  the  brave  American 
was  upon  him,  and  the  feet  of  the  Texians 
almost  treading  upon  his  tent-cloths. . 

Houston  looked  upon  that  warlike   scene 


THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR.  219 

with  pleasure,  for  he  felt  as  if  now  wa^  the 
consummation  of  the  struggle  of  Texas.  Al- 
though the  enemy  was  more  than  a  thousand 
strong  and  his  own  forces-  not  more  than  half 
that  number,  yet  he  counted  much  upon  the 
valor  of  the  Texians.  Their  appearance  was 
like  a  clap  of  thunder  from  a  clear  sky  to  the 
tyrant  chief,  and  before  the  Mexicans  had 
time  to  prepare  for  battle  the  force  of  Hous- 
ton was  upon  them,  and  m  less  than  an  hour 
the  field  was  strewn  with  the  slain,  and  the 
survivors  of  the  enemy  flying  in  dismay.  The 
companion  of  Hernanda,  who  was  taken  ill 
the  day  previous,  was  confined  to  a  litter,  but 
by  his  request  was  placed  in  a  position  where 
he  might  witness  the  contest. 

When  he  saw  the  enemy  vanquished  aiad 
dispersed,  he  forgot  his  debility,  and  nerved 
with  the  enthusiasm  of  the  moment,  he  sprang 
from  his  litter  and  flew  to  the  margin  of  the 
plain  where  the  oflicers  were  collected  to 
receive  the  prisoners  who  were  momentarily 
brought  in.  Santa  Anna  was  among  the  first 
who  fled,  in  pursuit  of  whom  Hernanda  and 
a  few  others  had  gone.  They  returned  the 
next  morning  with  the  prisoner,  but  they  knew 
neither  his  features  nor  his  rank ;  but  Zalava, 


220  THE    FALL    OF    BEXAR. 

who  entered  a  few  moments  after,  recognized 
him  as  the  President  of  Mexico.  A  shout  of 
joy  ran  through  the  camp  at  this  announce- 
ment. Santa  Anna,  with  Cos,  Almonti,  and 
others,  were  sent  immediately  to  Galveston  ; 
and  many  of  the  volunteers,  feeling  that  their 
work  was  accomplished,  returned  to  their  de- 
serted homes. 

Hernanda  and  his  companion  immediately 
started  for  Harrisburg.  They  arrived  in 
safety,  but  found  the  town  yet  quite  deserted, 
for  the  success  and  cruelties  of  the  Mexicans 
inspired  the  defenceless  inhabitants  with  terror. 

They  soon  learned,  hovfever,  that  Mr. 

yet  remained,  and  they  flew  with  hasty  steps 
to  his  residence.  They  met  the  merchant 
upon  his  threshold,  but  instead  of  meeting 
them  with  smiles,  grief,  deep  and  settled  grief, 
brooded  over  his  features,  that  made  the  warm 
stream  of  joy  and  love  rush  back  with  icy 
coldness  upon  the  heart  of  Hernanda. 

"  Tell  me,"  cried  Hernanda,  ere  the  mer- 
chant had  time  to  speak,  "  what  is  it  that 
makes  you  sad  ?  We  are  victorious — the  Ty- 
rant is  our  prisoner — peace  hath  returned  to 
our  borders." 

"  That  only  can  cheer  me,"  said  the  mer- 


THE    FALE    OF    BEXAR.  221 

chant,  and  the   tears  rolled  down  his  sallow 
cheek.       "We   have   both  lost   a  treasure. 

Mary ." 

"  Manj .'"  exclaimed  Hernanda,  "  Speak  ! 
is  she  no  more  ?" 

"  Alas  !  1  know  not,"  replied  the  father. 
"  She  has  been  absent  many  days,  nor  can  I 
find  a  single  trace  of  her,  and  I  fear  she  has 
become  the  victim  of  some  Mexican  soldier." 
"  God  forbid  !"  cried  Hernanda,  almost  fran- 
tic with  passion.  "  Were  it  so,  I  would  de- 
vote my  future  hours  to  revenge.  Texas  hath 
driven  oppression  from  her  soil,  and  revenge 
for  murders  and  ravishments  shall  plant  her 
victorious  standard  upon  the  citadel  of  Ten- 
ochtitlan." 

The  youthful  companion  of  Hernanda  was 
heard  to  sob,  and  a  bright  tear  ghstened  upon 
his  muffled  cheek. 

''  Who  is  your  companion  in  arms  ?"  asked 
the  merchant. 

"  The  noblest  youth  in  Texas,"  said  Her- 
nanda ;  "  but  for  him,  Jose  Hernanda  would 
this  day  have  been  food  for  wolves.  But  do 
you  not  know  him?  He  has  said  that  he 
knew  Mary  well,  and  is  he  a  stranger  to  her 
father  ?" 


222  THE    FALL   OF    BEXAR. 

"  The  merchant,  approaching  the  youth,  had 
remained  in  silence  since  the  meeting.  "  Your 
name,"  said  he. 

The  youth  answered  not,  but  rising  from 
his  seat  he  withdrew  the  cap  and  appendages 
with  which  his  features  were  hidden,  and  the 
dark  curls  of  Mary  fell  from  beneath  them. 
Her  sweet  smile  that  shone  like  sunshine 
through  her  tears,  carried  its  light  to  the  heart 
of  the  mourning  father,  and  spread  a  halo  of 
brightness  over  the  crushed  hopes  of  her 
lover. 

Friend  !  art  thou  a  tale-reader  ?  If  so,  im- 
agine the  sequel.  L. 


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